Travel time 1 hour

Areopolis is the second largest town in the Mani. The word Areopolo means “city of Ares”, the name for the ancient Greek God of war. The Greek War of Independence started from here on the 21 March 1821 and it has now grown into a flourishing town. It has a main square (plateia) many churches, a port and a beach.

In the main square you will find many restaurants and tavernas and from here you can sit and watch the world go by. A very relaxing atmosphere.

The 17th century Church of Taxiarhon has a medieval look and the most colourful and beautiful frescoes. This church is a protected monument. It has a ten-sided dome and arch. It is made from traditional old stone and has a remarkable, decorated sculpture. From outside this church, the Maniots led by Petrobeis Mavromihalis had their weapons blessed and embarked on the Struggle for Independence, liberating Kalamata on March 23. You can also find the rock that the Greek flag was placed upon.

Walking up the side streets, you can see majestic towers, which belonged to very powerful families of the Peloponnese. Not far from Areopolis, is the stunning Bay of Limeni, a seaside village with a beach for swimming. It is only 4km away to the north. The waters here are turquoise and very clean. Occasionally, you will find a turtle swimming onto the beach. This is a sight many tourists have experienced and have thoroughly enjoyed.

The town is full of the atmospheric history of the past and well worth a visit.

Travel Time 4.5 hours

Athens is best known for its ancient culture.

Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Theatre of Dionysus, Changing of the Guards and so much more.

Athens has so much to offer.

The famous area of Plaka and Monasteraki are in the older section of Athens and sit in the shadow of the Acropolis. Most of the streets are closed to traffic.

The area consists mainly of restaurants, cafes, tourist shops, jewellery stores although you will find museums here as well.

Travel time 1.5 hours

Gytheio is located in the northeast corner of the Mani. It lies on the northwestern end of the Lackonian Gulf. Gytheio was originally built on a hill in one of the most fertile areas, near the mouth of the Gythius River, which is usually dry and has been given the nickname of Xerodas, meaning 'dry'.

According to its modern history, one of the latest most important events that happened in Gytheio was the opening of a port. This port started operating around the year 1960. This has had an important impact on the town, and it is now one of the most interesting and lively locations tourists can visit.

Gytheio used to be little more than a village but now the port sees a few cruise ships and there is also a weekly ferry to Kythira and Crete. The port itself has many bars, tavernas restaurants, and absolutely delicious seafood. You are definitely spoilt for choice in this vibrant location.

Many nineteenth-century houses in Gytheio descend in amphitheatrical tiers from the slope of the mountain to the shoreline of the port. Characteristic Greek fishing boats, among which you will always find at least one named Agios Nikolaos, enchant us with their bright colours, bobbing up and down in the calm sea. A beautiful sight to behold.

Off the shore of Gytheio are several small islands, the most important of these being Kranai (now called Marathonisi), which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. According to legend, when Paris of Troy abducted Helen from Sparta they spent their first night in Kranai, Paris having stolen her away from Sparta and her husband Menelaos.

On the island is the Tower of Zanetbey Grigorakis. This has been restored and turned into a Mani Museum. There is also a small church which as been built on the foundations of an earlier temple. There is an excellent display about the various travellers who have visited over the centuries.

A traditional Greek port town.